Tag Archives: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Letting Others Clean Up Afghan Mess

In Biden’s speech yesterday about withdrawing from Afghanistan, I half expected to hear him quote from “The Great Gatsby.”

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Book Proximity Makes You Smart

Friday Scientific American recently reported on a study claiming that a childhood surrounded by books makes you smarter, even if you don’t actually read them. According to Karen Hopkins, Australian researchers have proved that “growing up in a home with a sizable library enhances literacy, number sense and even technological know-how in later life.” Apparently this […]

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The Novels that Shaped John McCain

McCain’s favorite novels included “Great Gatsby,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Huckleberry Finn,” and works by Somerset Maugham. One can understand why.

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Buchanan Would Be a Trump Enthusiast

“Great Gatsby” describes life under Trump to a tee, with Tom Buchanan an archetype of the wealthy Trump supporter.

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Trump Is Gatsby (But a Lot Meaner)

Donald Trump is Jay Gatsby, albeit a Gatsby with a mean streak. Nevertheless, the rise of the character helps us understand the success of our current president.

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Workers of the World, Read! (Then Unite)

A “Washington Post” article argues that the arts are key in counteracting economic injustice. While this is true, the arts must be accompanied by smart politics to achieve this end.

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Sarah Palin as Daisy Buchanan

New York Times columnist Ross Douthat, speaking for moderate Republicans who are being driven from the party, sees himself as Jay Gatsby jilted by Daisy. Sarah Palin was once his Daisy and Donald Trump could be compared to Tom Buchanan.

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The Rich Complain about Shaming

Some wealthy Americans are receiving therapy to make them feel better about their riches. Swift would have something to say about this, as would F. Scott Fitzgerald and Lady Mary Wortley Montagu.

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Bechdel Uses Lit to Understand Her Life

Alison’s Bechdel time and again turns to literature in her memoir to understand her upbringing.

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